NIH To Host Rare Disease Day, Feb. 29

Rare diseases affect an estimated 25 million Americans. On Monday, Feb. 29, NIH will host an event designed to raise awareness about rare diseases, the people they affect and current research collaborations.

Sponsored by NCATS and the Clinical Center, Rare Disease Day at NIH will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10. Speakers include Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ); NIH director Dr. Francis Collins; NCATS director Dr. Christopher Austin; Clinical Center director Dr. John Gallin; and NCATS Office of Rare Diseases Research and Division of Clinical Innovation director Dr. Petra Kaufmann. The event will feature presentations, posters and exhibits, tours of the Clinical Center and an art show. Admission is free and open to the public. In association with Global Genes, participants are encouraged to wear their favorite pair of jeans.

Prior to the event, on Feb. 22, NIH will host a Twitter chat on rare diseases from 2 to 3 p.m. with Collins and Austin. Join the conversation by following #NIHChat.

Learn more about Rare Disease Day at https://ncats.nih.gov/rdd or visit https://events-support.com/events/NIH_Rare_Disease_Day to see the agenda and to register. You can follow the event on social media at #RDDNIH.